Epilatory compositions

ABSTRACT

An epilatory composition of the adhesive type comprises a gel-like matrix material, for example of a rosin-based or sugar-based material, together with 0.1-5 wt % of a branched polyalkene, for example polyisobutene. The resulting compositions offer skin care benefits whilst maintaining excellent viscoelastic and adhesive properties.

This invention relates to an epilatory composition, its manufacture anduse.

Epilatory compositions formed of viscoelastic materials are well known.The viscoelastic materials may in certain embodiments be rosinousmaterials. In other embodiments they may be sugar-based.

In some products the epilatory compositions may be supplied in the formof strips, retained between cellophane sheets. The cellophane sheets mayhave coatings of polyvinyl chloride, which acts as a barrier preventingthe composition, or components of it, from migrating through the sheets;and also having the correct adhesive properties for use. In use, theuser peels away one of the cellophane sheets, presses the epilatorystrip firmly onto the area to be plucked, then pulls one end of theremaining cellophane sheet sharply away from the area. The hairs trappedin the composition are removed from the treated area along with,optimally, all of the composition, still attached to the remainingbacking strip.

In an alternative approach a composition may be warmed, and then appliedto the skin by means of a spatula or other applicator. Strips of fabricare then applied so that they adhere to the epilatory composition. Thestrips are then pulled sharply to remove the epilatory material, andhair, from the skin.

The rosinous materials have excellent viscoelastic properties forepilatory compositions of the type described above but may irritate theskin of some users, if they fail to follow the instructions given.

It would be desirable to locate an ingredient which is beneficial interms of skin care, but which does not compromise to any significantdegree the viscoelastic and the adhesive properties of epilatorycompositions, whether rosinous or sugar-based.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided an epilatory composition comprising a matrix material of theadhesive type, wherein the composition includes a branched polyalkene.

The matrix material may comprise a tackifying polymeric material, forexample a tackifying aliphatic or aromatic resin.

The matrix material may comprise a sugar-based material. Examples ofspecifications describing epilatory compositions based on heatingsugar(s) with acids (such as citric acid) are disclosed in GB 901624, GB1242083, GB 2231494A, and GB 2157951A.

The matrix material may comprise a rosinous material, for example arosin ester and/or colophony.

The branched polyalkene is suitably a polyalkene having C₁₋₄ alkylgroups, preferably methyl groups, projecting from a carbon backbone.Preferably the branched polyalkene comprises units derived fromisobutene. These may have been homopolymerised, to form polyisobutene,or may have been copolymerised with other unsaturated materials,preferably other alkenes.

Most preferably the branched polyalkene used is fully saturated.Depending on the manufacturing process this may mean that it has beenhydrogenated.

The branched polyalkene may be regarded as a polymer having a carbonbackbone carrying a proportion of pendent alkyl groups, preferablymethyl groups. Preferably the carbon backbone carries both hydrogenatoms and pendent groups. The numerical ratio of pendent alkyl groups tohydrogen atoms on the backbone is suitably in the range 0.1:1-10:1,preferably 0.5:1-3:1, and most preferably 0.8:1-1.2:1 (such hydrogenatoms are directly on the backbone; hydrogen atoms within the pendentalkyl groups are not included). Especially preferred is a ratio ofsubstantially 1:1, as is obtained with homopolymeric isobutene.

A preferred material is hydrogenated polyisobutene, a readily availablematerial currently used in cosmetics. Grades are available under thetrade marks POLYSYNLANE and PARLEAM, from Rossow Cosmetiques, France, orNof Corporation, Japan.

An especially preferred material is non-hydrogenated polyisobutene, areadily available material currently used in cosmetics. Grades areavailable under the trade mark INDOPOL, from BP Chemicals, UK.

Suitably the branched polyalkene provides up to 20% of the total weightof the composition, preferably up to 15%, more preferably up to 10%, andmost preferably up to 5%. Especially preferred is an amount up to 3% ofthe total weight of the composition.

Suitably the branched polyalkene provides at least 0.1% of the totalweight of the composition, preferably at least 0.5%, most preferably atleast 0.9%.

Suitably the branched polyalkene has a weight average molecular weightin the range 1,000 to 100,000, preferably 3,000 to 30,000.

Suitably the branched polyalkene is in the nature of a highly viscousliquid.

Preferably the branched polyalkylene is in the nature of a waxy or tackysolid or semi-solid.

We have found that the inclusion of a branched polyalkylene in anepilatory composition of the adhesive type produces a valuable skin carebenefit, even when present in a small amount. The benefit is such thatthe irritation which certain epilatory compositions can elicit in someusers is eased, or avoided altogether. Excellent adhesive andviscoelastic properties are also achieved.

The matrix material may comprise a sugar-based material and a rosinousmaterial in admixture. The following paragraphs further define suchmixtures.

Suitably, the epilatory composition of the present invention comprisesgreater than or equal to 70% by wt, preferably greater than or equal to75% by wt, preferably greater than or equal to 80% by wt, preferablygreater than or equal to 82% wt of sugar-based material.

Suitably, the epilatory composition of the present invention comprisesless than or equal to 95% by wt, preferably less than or equal to 92.5%by wt, preferably less than or equal to 90% by wt, more preferably lessthan 90% by wt, more preferably less than or equal to 88% by wt ofsugar-based material.

Suitably, the epilatory composition of the present invention comprisesgreater than or equal to 5% by wt, preferably greater than or equal to7.5% by wt, preferably greater than or equal to 10% by wt, morepreferably greater than 10% by wt, most preferably greater than or equalto 12% by wt of rosinous material.

Suitably, the epilatory composition of the present invention comprisesless than or equal to 30% by wt, preferably less than or equal to 25 bywt, preferably less than or equal to 20% by wt, most preferably lessthan or equal to 18% by wt of rosinous material.

A particularly preferred epilatory composition of the present inventioncomprises greater than 10% by wt and less than 30% by wt, especiallygreater than or equal to 12% by wt and less than or equal to 20% by wt,of rosinous material.

Unexpectedly, it has been found that by including a rosinous material inthe epilatory compositions of the present invention within theaforementioned defined limits then the adhesive properties of thesugar-based composition may be significantly enhanced while maintainingthe water rinsability characteristics of the sugar-based composition.

Suitably, the weight ratio of sugar-based material to rosinous materialin the epilatory composition of the present invention is less than orequal to 19:1, preferably less than or equal to 15:1, preferably lessthan or equal to 13:1, preferably less than or equal to 10:1, preferablyless than or equal to 9:1, most preferably less than or equal to 7.5:1.

Suitably, the weight ratio of sugar-based material to rosinous materialin the epilatory composition of the present invention is greater than orequal to 2.3:1, preferably greater than or equal to 3:1, more preferablygreater than or equal to 4:1, most preferably greater than or equal to5:1.

A particularly preferred epilatory composition of the present inventioncomprises a weight ratio of sugar-based material to rosinous material ofless than 9:1 and greater than or equal to 2.3:1, especially less thanor equal to 7.5:1 and greater than or equal to 4:1.

Preferably, the rosinous material is in the form of droplets, which maybe of any shape, dispersed within the matrix material. Typically, thedroplets are spherical and/or ellipsoidal in shape.

Suitably, the average maximum cross-sectional dimension of the dropletsof rosinous material, as measured by photon correlation spectroscopy, isgreater than or equal to 20 nm, more preferably greater than or equal to30 nm, most preferably greater than or equal to 40 nm, especiallygreater than or equal to 50 nm.

Suitably, the average maximum cross-sectional dimension of the dropletsof rosinous material, as measured by photon correlation spectroscopy, isless than or equal to 5000 nm, preferably less than or equal to 1500 nm,preferably less than or equal to 1000 nm, most preferably less than orequal to 500 nm.

Preferably the epilatory composition comprises at least 60% wt/wt of thematrix material, for example rosinous material and/or sugar-basedmaterial, preferably at least 70% wt/wt, more preferably at least 80%wt/wt.

Preferably the epilatory composition is a so-called “cold” epilatorycomposition (that is, one which can be applied at ambient temperaturewithout reheating).

Preferably the epilatory composition comprises a particulate material inadmixture with the matrix material. Preferably the particulate materialis a colloidal material. Preferably it has particles of mean diameter1-200 nm, more preferably 5-100 nm, and most preferably 10-50 nm.

Preferably the particles, when present in the epilatory composition, arein an amount of at least 1% wt on total weight of composition, morepreferably at least 2%, and most preferably at least 3%. Suitably theyare present in an amount up to 20% on total weight of composition, andpreferably up to 10%.

Preferred particulate materials for use in the present invention aresiliceous materials. Especially preferred is fumed silica.

Fumed silica is currently manufactured in a process that involves flamehydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride, in an oxy-hydrogen flame. It is acolloidal form of silica having silanol groups, able to participate inhydrogen bonding. Fumed silica typically comprises colloidal particlesof mean diameter 1-200 nm. Preferably the fumed silica is of meandiameter 5-100 nm, more preferably 10-50 nm. The external surface areais typically in the range 15-380 m²/g. Fumed silicas are typicallynon-porous and thus have no internal surface area. They may behydrophobic and of use in the present invention but preferred fumedsilicas for use in the present invention are hydrophilic.

The epilatory composition may suitably comprise up to 40%, preferably upto 20%, of other components, which may include one or more of a naturalwax, a fragrance, a polymer, an essential oil, a silicone oil, acolorant, an anti-oxidant or a paraffin or mineral oil.

Preferably the epilatory composition is such that its elastic modulusexceeds its viscous modulus at all frequencies up to 0.1 rad/s at 50° C.Preferably the elastic modulus of the epilatory composition exceeds itsviscous modulus at all frequencies up to 1 rad/s at 50° C., morepreferably at all frequencies up to 2 rad/s at 50° C.

In certain embodiments, notably epilatory compositions having asugar-based matrix material, the elastic modulus may exceed the viscousmodulus at all frequencies up to 20 rad/s at 50° C.

Preferably at certain higher frequencies (representative of the rapidremoval of the epilatory composition from the user's skin), the elasticmodulus also exceeds the viscous modulus, at temperatures within thetemperature range 20-50° C.

Preferably the elastic modulus exceeds the viscous modulus (whenmeasured at 35° C.) at a frequency of at least 10,000 rad/s, morepreferably at a frequency at least 5,000 rad/s.

Thus, preferably the epilatory composition is such that, at ambienttemperatures, at low frequencies of applied stress the elastic modulusexceeds the viscous modulus; at high frequencies of applied stress theelastic modulus exceeds the viscous modulus; and at moderatefrequencies, in between, the viscous modulus exceeds the elasticmodulus. The epilatory composition in transit and storage corresponds tothe low frequency condition, and the non-viscous nature of thecomposition aids shape stability in storage and transit; the applicationof the epilatory composition to the skin corresponds to the moderatefrequency condition, and the viscous nature of the composition aidsapplication and good contact with hair and skin; and pulling theepilatory composition sharply from the skin corresponds to the highfrequency condition, the non-viscous, glassy nature of the compositionaiding effective hair removal. The transition between the low frequencycondition and the moderate frequency condition is known as the gelpoint. The transition between the moderate frequency condition and thehigh strain rate condition is known as the glass transition.

The elastic modulus G′ (sometimes known as the storage modulus)corresponds to the energy which can be stored and released by a bulkmaterial. The viscous modulus G″ (sometimes known as the loss modulus)corresponds to the energy dissipated by a bulk material due to frictionbetween its macromolecules when it is deformed. $\begin{matrix}{G^{\prime} = {\frac{\sigma \cdot}{\gamma \cdot}\cos\quad\delta}} \\{G^{''} = {\frac{\sigma \cdot}{\gamma \cdot}\sin\quad\delta}}\end{matrix}$wherein σ. is the stress amplitude, γ. is the strain amplitude and δ isthe out-of-phase coefficient.

The measurements quoted later are based on studies carried out into therheology of the viscoelastic compositions in order to obtain a betterunderstanding of their adhesive behaviour and their suitability asepilatory materials. These studies involved subjecting the materials todynamic investigations in which a sinusoidal strain at definedfrequencies was applied to the materials and the resulting output forcewas measured. In these studies a stress control rheometer was used, theSR rheometer commercially available from the company Rheometrics, usingparallel plate geometry of 25 mm in diameter. The output force was foundto include an in-phase elastic component G′ and an out-of-phase viscouscomponent G″. The output force can be expressed as follows.$\begin{matrix}{\sigma = {{\sigma \cdot \sin}\quad\left( {{t\quad\omega} + \delta} \right)}} \\{= {{{\sigma \cdot \cos}\quad\delta\quad\sin\quad t\quad\omega} + {{\sigma \cdot \cos}\quad\delta\quad\cos\quad t\quad\omega}}}\end{matrix}$where ω is the test frequency and t is the time.

Within the linear stress-strain domain of the material G′ is desirablylower than G″ at moderate frequency oscillation in order to prevent thematerial cracking and to ensure that the material has strong adhesion atthe material/hair interface. The values of G′ and G″ at moderatefrequency oscillation are a measure of how readily the material wets thehairs. Moderate frequency oscillation is a long time process andcorresponds to the time when the material is being applied to the skin.The lower values of G′ and G″ at this moderate frequency, the better thematerial wets the hairs. Thus the hairs become well embedded in thematerial in a very short time (ie the time needed for spreading thematerial on the skin). However G′ should be higher than G″ at highfrequency oscillation (which mimics the action of the user in rapidlypulling the strip from the body) in order to remove hairs efficiently.Also, at low frequency oscillation, or no oscillation, G′ is preferablyhigher than G″, in accordance with this invention, in order to obtainthe benefit of enhanced stability, even when warm.

The definitions given herein refer to stresses applied to the materialwithin its linear stress-strain domain, which may typically be up to afew thousand Pa.

Preferably, therefore, the composition is of an elastic nature whenunstressed.

Preferably, therefore, the composition is of a viscous nature whenmoderately stressed, for example on application to the skin.

Preferably, therefore, the composition is of an elastic nature whenhighly stressed, for example on removal from the skin (as by abruptpulling).

By ensuring that the epilatory composition satisfies the aboveparameters, it can be readily applied to the skin at body temperature,yet it is very efficient at removing hairs from the skin and,surprisingly, the user experiences less pain.

References in this specification to a material not under applied stressare to a material in the form of a flat sheet, resting on a horizontalsurface.

If wished the epilatory composition of the present invention may beprovided in a container, from which the user removes it using, forexample, a spatula or an applicator fitted to the container, and appliesit to the skin. A fabric can then be used to pull the applied materialin one piece from the skin. Alternatively, and preferably, the epilatorycomposition is supplied in the form of strips, sandwiched betweensheets, for example of cellophane, or paper or another non-wovenmaterial. In use, one sheet is removed from a strip of epilatorycomposition and that strip is then applied to the skin with theremaining sheet uppermost. The end of that sheet is grasped and pulledsharply, to remove the strip of epilatory composition from the skin,along with hairs with which it is in contact.

Preferably an epilatory composition of the invention is mildly acidic,for example having a pH in the range 4.5-6.5, preferably 5-6.

Preferred epilatory compositions of the present invention are such thatresidues are removable from the user's skin by normal water washing.

A preferred epilatory composition of the present invention comprises, inaccordance with the definitions given previously:

-   at least 60% wt of a sugar-based matrix material;-   0-30% wt of a rosin-based matrix material;-   0.1-5% wt of a branched polyalkene;-   1-20% wt of a particulate material; and-   0-40% wt of additional components.

An especially preferred epilatory composition of the present inventioncomprises, in accordance with the definitions given previously:

-   at least 70% wt of a sugar-based matrix material;-   2-20% wt of a rosin-based matrix material;-   0.5-5% wt of a branched polyalkene;-   1-5% wt of a particulate material; and-   0-20% wt of additional components.

In accordance with further aspects there are provided a method ofmanufacturing an epilatory composition, as defined above; an epilatoryproduct, for example a strip of such an epilatory composition or adispenser containing such a composition, having an applicator to deposita sheet thereof on the skin or a user; and a method of epilation, usingsuch a composition or product.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example.

EXAMPLE 1

A composition was made with the following ingredients. Ingredients %wt/wt Inverted sugar base: Sugar (sucrose) 78.3 Citric acid monohydrate1.3 DERMULSENE RA 405 1.5 Water 7.4 DERTOLINE RC2 rosinous material 7HDK N20 fumed silica 2 PARLEAM SV polyisobutene 1 KOH (50% in water) 1.5DERMULSENE RA 405 is a collophonium emulsion available from DRT-Granel.DERTOLINE RC2 is a colophonium derived resin, available from DRT-Granel.HDK N20 is a fumed silica powder available from Wacker.PARLEAM SV, also called POLYSYNLANE SV, is an hydrogenated polyisobutenepolymer available from Rossow Cosmetiques, France. The SV grade denotesthe super high viscosity grade.Method of Manufacture1. Preparation of an Inverted Sugar-Based Material:

-   -   a. Prepare an inverted sugar (sugar/citric acid/water)—cool down        to 60° C. and maintain the tank temperature at 60° C. during the        process;    -   b. Add 1.5% of DERMULSENE RA 405 and mix slowly during 30        minutes;    -   c. Adjust the viscosity of the mix to 130 Pa·s (at a reference        temperature of 35° C.) by adding water.        2. Dispersion of Rosin and PARLEAM SV in the Sugar Base    -   a. Add the PARLEAM SV previously preheated in the oven at 60°        C., to the inverted sugar-based material from Step 1, and        incorporate it by mixing;    -   b. Then add the DERTOLINE RC2 previously preheated in the oven        at 60° C. and incorporate it by mixing;        3. Formula Gelation    -   a. Add the HDK N20 and homogenise using a high speed turbine at        10 rpm.    -   b. Add the potassium hydroxide under stirring. The resulting        composition at ambient temperature had the appearance of a        viscous gel.        4. Formula Characterization    -   a. pH of the composition (dilute 50% in water)=5.6    -   b. gel point at 35° C. (G′=G″)=18 rad/s    -   c. viscosity at 35° C.=210 Pa·s

The resulting gel product could be formed in standard manner into waterrinsable cold wax strips.

The composition is particularly suitable for sensitive skin. To thisend, it is predominantly sugar-based; the rosinous material content islow (but sufficient to promote good performance); and it containsPARLEAM SV.

Preliminary tests indicate that the composition does not flow at hightemperatures such as would be found during summer months in warmcountries, and that other required properties are very good. The PARLEAMSV component appears not to have caused any adverse effect on theproperties of the composition.

EXAMPLE 2

A composition was made with the following ingredients: Ingredients %wt/wt Inverted sugar base (same as 95.5 Example 1) HDK N20 2 PARLEAM SV1 KOH (50% in water) 1.5

The sugar base and the PARLEAM SV were incorporated as described inExample 1.

The composition had the following properties:

-   pH (dilute 50% in water)=5.44-   gel point at 35° C.=6.25 rad/s-   viscosity at 35° C.=190 Pa·s.

EXAMPLE 3

A composition for manufacture into an epilatory strip was made with thefollowing ingredients. Ingredients % wt/wt Inverted sugar base: Sugar(sucrose) 77.6 Citric acid monohydrate 1.3 DERMULSENE RA 405 1.3 Water7.4 TEG rosinate 4.84 DERTOLINE RC2 rosinous material 2.16 INDOPOL H2100polyisobutene 1 KOH (50% in water) 1.4TEG rosinate is triethylene glycol rosinate available from DRT-Granel.INDOPOL H2100 is non-hydrogenated polyisobutene, molecular weightapprox. 2,000, available from BP. Being non-hydrogenated it hasunsaturation at the polymer termini.

The epilatory composition was prepared by the method described inExample 1, except:

In Step 1 the temperature was 65° C.

In Step 2 both rosinates and the polyisobutene were premixed in aseparate tank and added to the inverted sugar material at 65° C.Homogenisation for 5 minutes using a high speed turbine operated at1,000 rpm ensured good dispersion of the rosinates.

In Step 3a. the fumed silica was blended in using a high speedrotor/stator mixer/pump operated at 1,000 rpm for 15 minutes.

In Step 3b. the KOH was added in a single addition with stirring. Thecomposition was then recirculated in the high speed rotor/statormixer/pump. Friction increased the temperature to 80° C.

The gel point of the Example 3 composition, measured at 50° C., is 25rad/s. Its viscosity, measured at 35° C., is 230 Pa·s. Its pH is 5.5.

1. An epilatory composition comprising a matrix material of an adhesivetype, wherein the composition includes a branched polyalkene in anamount of up to 5% of the total weight of the composition.
 2. Anepilatory composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyalkene haspendent C₁₋₄ alkyl groups on the carbon backbone, the numerical ratio ofthe pendent alkyl groups to hydrogen atoms on the carbon backbone beingin the range 0.1:1 to 10:1.
 3. An epilatory composition according toclaim 1, wherein the branched polyalkene contains units derived fromisobutene.
 4. An epilatory composition according to claim 3, wherein thebranched polyalkene consists of polyisobutene.
 5. An epilatorycomposition according to claim 1, wherein the branched polyalkeneprovides up to 5% of the total weight of the composition.
 6. Anepilatory composition according to claim 1, wherein the matrix materialcomprises a rosinous material and/or a sugar-based material, andprovides at least 60% of the weight of the epilatory composition.
 7. Anepilatory composition according to claim 1, wherein the compositionincludes a particulate material which supplies 1-40% of the weight ofthe epilatory composition.
 8. An epilatory composition according toclaim 7, wherein the particulate material is a siliceous material.
 9. Anepilatory composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition is ofelastic nature when unstressed and of viscous nature when moderatelystressed, on application to the skin.
 10. An epilatory compositionaccording to claim 9 wherein the composition is of elastic nature whenhighly stressed, on removal of the composition from the skin.
 11. Anepilatory composition, comprising at least 60% wt of a sugar-basedmatrix material; 0-30% wt of a rosin-based matrix material; 0.1-5% wt ofa branched polyalkene; 1-20% wt of a particulate material; and 0-40% wtof additional components.
 12. An epilatory composition, comprising: atleast 70% wt of a sugar-based matrix material; 2-20% wt of a rosin-basedmatrix material; 0.5-3% wt of a branched polyalkene; 1-5% wt of aparticulate material; and 0-20% wt of additional components.
 13. Anepilatory product comprising an epilatory composition according to claim1, the product being selected from: strips of such a compositionsandwiched between sheets which are peelable from the strips; and adispenser containing such a composition, having an applicator adapted todeposit a sheet thereof on the skin of a user.
 14. (canceled)